Preached by Carlos Montijo on Lord’s Day, 20 October 2024. We meet on Sundays for worship at 10:00am: ThornCrown Covenant Baptist Church 4712 Montana Ave El Paso, Texas 79903 email: [email protected] call/text: (915) 843-8088 ThornCrownMinistries.com _________________________________________________________________________________________________ This sermon includes a response to the "The Real History of Halloween" episode of the Cultish podcast, where hosts Jeremiah Roberts and Andrew Soncrant explore the origins of Halloween and attempt to debunk the idea that it is a pagan holiday. Reference video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tNG9JbcJRU _________________________________________________________________________________________________ A common theme in the Bible is that Christians are called to be set apart from the world in their traditions and culture. Questions to consider: - What are the true origins of Halloween? - Is it rooted in pagan myths? - How should Christians approach Halloween? - Can Christians celebrate Halloween? _________________________________________________________________________________________________ As believers, it’s essential to discern how participating in cultural practices aligns with biblical principles. Scripture encourages us to avoid involvement in occult practices (Deuteronomy 18:10-12) and to reject anything that celebrates or trivializes evil (Ephesians 5:11). Halloween, with its focus on death, fear, and supernatural elements, can conflict with the Christian call to live in the light of Christ (John 8:12). _________________________________________________________________________________________________ Bible verses to mediation on: - Romans 12:2: "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." (LSB) - 1 Thessalonians 5:22: "Abstain from every form of evil." (LSB) - Psalm 101:3: "I will set nothing worthless before my eyes; I hate the work of those who fall away; It shall not cling to me." (LSB)